'The only way to celebrate Memorial Day' (PHOTOS)

Published: Sunday, May 25, 2014 at 06:13 PM.

The good-weather streak continued into Sunday as locals and visitors packed the beach at Okaloosa Island.

"It's the first weekend that's had perfect weather in a while," said Fort Walton Beach resident Jesse Capalbo.

While North Okaloosa and Walton counties dealt with a severe storm warning in the late afternoon, coastal areas enjoyed a mixture of sun and clouds.

Capalbo and several friends have been camped out on the beach for most of the weekend with their coolers of adult beverages.

"The lifeguards are telling us to stay hydrated, so we're staying hydrated," he said with a smile.

For locals like Capalbo, it's difficult to celebrate Memorial Day without the beach. After the record rains and an uncharacteristically chilly winter, Northwest Florida natives were more than happy to break out their beach gear — even if it was crowded.

"I prefer it not so crowded," said Fort Walton Beach native Kiara Tona. "But I was ready for some beach time. It's the only way to celebrate Memorial Day."

The good-weather streak continued into Sunday as locals and visitors packed the beach at Okaloosa Island.

"It's the first weekend that's had perfect weather in a while," said Fort Walton Beach resident Jesse Capalbo.

While North Okaloosa and Walton counties dealt with a severe storm warning in the late afternoon, coastal areas enjoyed a mixture of sun and clouds.

Capalbo and several friends have been camped out on the beach for most of the weekend with their coolers of adult beverages.

"The lifeguards are telling us to stay hydrated, so we're staying hydrated," he said with a smile.

For locals like Capalbo, it's difficult to celebrate Memorial Day without the beach. After the record rains and an uncharacteristically chilly winter, Northwest Florida natives were more than happy to break out their beach gear — even if it was crowded.

"I prefer it not so crowded," said Fort Walton Beach native Kiara Tona. "But I was ready for some beach time. It's the only way to celebrate Memorial Day."